New curbs on fracking in areas of natural beauty are to be introduced by ministers in a move designed to head off a pre-election revolt by environmental groups.

Energy companies are likely to ask for an urgent meeting with ministers after an announcement today on shale gas extraction.

The move was immediately welcomed by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE). However, it will once more dismay those who fear the Tories are capitulating to vested interests and losing their reforming edge as the election approaches.

Matthew Hancock, the energy minister, will say today that there is a new presumption